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Holly Holmes #6
Mocha Cream and Murder
Is this a simple case of murder? Or has something dark come to Audley St. Mary?
When Holly Holmes gets invited to a party at Marchwood Manor at the last minute, she reluctantly attends. Rather than small talk and champagne, she almost ends the night with a body landing on her head.
What seems to be a tragic accident, turns dark when another party-goer dies. Was his death a drug overdose, or is something shadier seeping through the village?
Holly is soon on the case. And this time, Campbell wants her involved. It's something she quickly regrets when she gets attacked by a mysterious man in black and warned off.
Conspiracy theories and a decade-old murder lead Holly along a twisty, dangerous path. Will she puzzle everything out, while still keeping her head?
Join Holly and the cozy gang in their most perplexing murder mystery to date. Expect surprises, red herrings, delicious cake, and a killer who gets his (or her) just desserts.
When Holly Holmes gets invited to a party at Marchwood Manor at the last minute, she reluctantly attends. Rather than small talk and champagne, she almost ends the night with a body landing on her head.
What seems to be a tragic accident, turns dark when another party-goer dies. Was his death a drug overdose, or is something shadier seeping through the village?
Holly is soon on the case. And this time, Campbell wants her involved. It's something she quickly regrets when she gets attacked by a mysterious man in black and warned off.
Conspiracy theories and a decade-old murder lead Holly along a twisty, dangerous path. Will she puzzle everything out, while still keeping her head?
Join Holly and the cozy gang in their most perplexing murder mystery to date. Expect surprises, red herrings, delicious cake, and a killer who gets his (or her) just desserts.
- GenresCozy Mystery
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2020
106 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
K.E. O'Connor
176 books192 followersK.E. O’Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren’t even there, and hear the crack of a witch’s broom at a hundred paces.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 6, 2021
By far the best book in the series
September 28, 2024
Just some quick notes before I move on to something else.
This book was dark. Released in April 2020 it reflects the time. Can it really be almost 5 years? This story features a lot of tough subjects. There's conspiracy theories (did a virus escape a lab?), mental health, homelessness, suicide (maybe?), drugs, alcohol, death, grief, and none of the usual charm. I figured out who and why right away but like Holly, got side tracked by other stuff.
I like Granny Molly. She's tough, sassy and funny. I hope everything works out for her. She tells it like it is! Chef Heston is a bully. He expects a lot from Holly but she's a professional chef and is used to him. However, he should apologize for his mistake and help Holly fix it.
Sir Richard Marchwood is very kind and his son Jacob is a nice young man. I thought he was into Holly and backed off when he realized Rupert was too. Then I thought maybe he was into someone else. Sir Richard's security expert, Lee Mahoney, is a sexist pig and a massive egomaniac. He's a total jerk and not even Campbell likes this guy. I think Lee may be involved in the mystery and know something secret he would kill to keep a secret.
I only skimmed the second half of this mystery. It was too dark and weird for me. I hope the next one is better.
This book was dark. Released in April 2020 it reflects the time. Can it really be almost 5 years? This story features a lot of tough subjects. There's conspiracy theories (did a virus escape a lab?), mental health, homelessness, suicide (maybe?), drugs, alcohol, death, grief, and none of the usual charm. I figured out who and why right away but like Holly, got side tracked by other stuff.
I like Granny Molly. She's tough, sassy and funny. I hope everything works out for her. She tells it like it is! Chef Heston is a bully. He expects a lot from Holly but she's a professional chef and is used to him. However, he should apologize for his mistake and help Holly fix it.
Sir Richard Marchwood is very kind and his son Jacob is a nice young man. I thought he was into Holly and backed off when he realized Rupert was too. Then I thought maybe he was into someone else. Sir Richard's security expert, Lee Mahoney, is a sexist pig and a massive egomaniac. He's a total jerk and not even Campbell likes this guy. I think Lee may be involved in the mystery and know something secret he would kill to keep a secret.
I only skimmed the second half of this mystery. It was too dark and weird for me. I hope the next one is better.
March 22, 2025
This time Holly stumbles not only onto a murder in the present, but finds links to msyterious events that happened in the past. The mystery was fairly complicated this time, and I rather enjoyed it. I found Princess Alice even more annoying than usual this time (and why is she a princess when her brother isn't a prince?) As with the rest of the series, I have to suspend reality to just accept this odd situations in which a baker (Holly) is best friends with a princess. Still, it was for the most part enjoyable.
August 19, 2025
What Happened?
I’m sorry but this one is easily the sloppiest one to date. I’m not sure if I missed something, but Holly and Campbell’s relationship here is completely different to eevrything before this, and it is so jarring without any build up to them being so friendly to each other now. The story hardly started for me, it felt very quick, and in the worst way possible. I hope they break the mold in a less agregious way next time.
I’m sorry but this one is easily the sloppiest one to date. I’m not sure if I missed something, but Holly and Campbell’s relationship here is completely different to eevrything before this, and it is so jarring without any build up to them being so friendly to each other now. The story hardly started for me, it felt very quick, and in the worst way possible. I hope they break the mold in a less agregious way next time.
September 26, 2022
Who killed Adam and Bruce and why??? Holly will figure things out and prevent more murders. Won’t she??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
September 4, 2020
Well done... four and a half stars!
I'm enjoying this series, and the evolution of the characters is delightful. Holly is finally receiving well-deserved recognition and respect for her sleuthing efforts. It's so ironic that, for a change, she doesn't even want to be involved; this amateur investigator is smart enough to recognize when she's out of her depth. Holly is dragged unwillingly into an investigation with implications of a government conspiracy. The mystery holds the reader with an abudance of twists, turns, and red herrings. Holly's interactions with Campbell are deepening, and her granny is a fun addition. Alice is still arrogant and entitled, but the rest of the cast is pretty charming. This is a fine example of a cozy mystery.
I'm enjoying this series, and the evolution of the characters is delightful. Holly is finally receiving well-deserved recognition and respect for her sleuthing efforts. It's so ironic that, for a change, she doesn't even want to be involved; this amateur investigator is smart enough to recognize when she's out of her depth. Holly is dragged unwillingly into an investigation with implications of a government conspiracy. The mystery holds the reader with an abudance of twists, turns, and red herrings. Holly's interactions with Campbell are deepening, and her granny is a fun addition. Alice is still arrogant and entitled, but the rest of the cast is pretty charming. This is a fine example of a cozy mystery.
February 10, 2021
Great Story......
I've been enjoying reading this story, Mocha Cream and Murder , the story is a exciting and an interesting mystery of murder and mayhem.
I've been enjoying reading this story, Mocha Cream and Murder , the story is a exciting and an interesting mystery of murder and mayhem.
August 14, 2023
Series is not holding up for me
I like cozies for low stress reading at night but often they get too many improbable or really stupid decisions presumably to move the plot along. The princess character is steadily more of an airhead and insensitive as the series continues. I am flipping past about 30% of the book now. I like it well enough to read the books, but less as the series continues. Hope the next one is better.
I like cozies for low stress reading at night but often they get too many improbable or really stupid decisions presumably to move the plot along. The princess character is steadily more of an airhead and insensitive as the series continues. I am flipping past about 30% of the book now. I like it well enough to read the books, but less as the series continues. Hope the next one is better.
April 12, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Holly is on the case!
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Holly is finally getting some respect as an investigator. I love visiting with this gang and this story is no exception. There were many twists and turns to keep me guessing. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Holly is finally getting some respect as an investigator. I love visiting with this gang and this story is no exception. There were many twists and turns to keep me guessing. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
January 5, 2023
I appreciate all writers.
We should all appreciate authors that spend so much time writing delight books. I'm certain they spend countless hours writing interesting stories. K.E. O'Connor is at the top of my list of fantastic books!! I've been reading her books for quite sometime and have read any I didn't like or love!!
We should all appreciate authors that spend so much time writing delight books. I'm certain they spend countless hours writing interesting stories. K.E. O'Connor is at the top of my list of fantastic books!! I've been reading her books for quite sometime and have read any I didn't like or love!!
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November 26, 2021A cracking good read
I really enjoyed this series of books the characters are really well written, the characters develop from book to book , I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
I really enjoyed this series of books the characters are really well written, the characters develop from book to book , I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
July 17, 2023
Mistakes and Murder
Holly just can’t mind her own business and leave Murder to the professionals! But this time things are much more complicated than she could have imagined. An enjoyable and intriguing book!
Holly just can’t mind her own business and leave Murder to the professionals! But this time things are much more complicated than she could have imagined. An enjoyable and intriguing book!
September 18, 2021
I want more!!
Loved every book! I want more of Holly Holmes, Rubert, Alice, Gran and of course Cambell!!! Oh I can't forget her precious dog!!!
Loved every book! I want more of Holly Holmes, Rubert, Alice, Gran and of course Cambell!!! Oh I can't forget her precious dog!!!
May 24, 2022
Loving this series!
June 20, 2022
Holly Holmes
I love the series the characters are great it’s funny I and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series the author did a great job in writing series
I love the series the characters are great it’s funny I and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series the author did a great job in writing series
November 10, 2022
Government Cover Up
Kids into the alien theory and then they are adults. The In between years are a mystery until they all come together again. Not even cake will stop this murder.
Kids into the alien theory and then they are adults. The In between years are a mystery until they all come together again. Not even cake will stop this murder.
June 9, 2023
another great story!
Gran really added some energy to the story! Cake always wins folks over to talk! Good series! Read it today!
Gran really added some energy to the story! Cake always wins folks over to talk! Good series! Read it today!
May 9, 2024
book 7
HOLLY, Alice, Rupert and Campbell have a double murder on their hands. There’s also talk of government conspiracy theories….. or aliens.
HOLLY, Alice, Rupert and Campbell have a double murder on their hands. There’s also talk of government conspiracy theories….. or aliens.
June 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I like the characters and the plot was very complex. Very good.
February 5, 2022
Still enjoying each book.
February 8, 2023
This ends up a bit more far-fetched but still an enjoyable read. I feel like with each book Holly gets more experience in how to look into things. Holly does often run head first into danger and I felt that she was more reckless this book when dealing with a murderer.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews